Rio celebrates Carnival with flair

The annual mega-festival in Brazil that takes place prior to lent culimnates on Tuesday.

March 3, 2014 1:18 PM

Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images

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Revelers parade during the 'Simpatia e Quase Amor' street carnival bloco along Ipanema Beach on March 2, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Carnival is the grandest holiday in Brazil, annually drawing millions in raucous celebrations. less

Revelers parade during the 'Simpatia e Quase Amor' street carnival bloco along Ipanema Beach on March 2, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Carnival is the grandest holiday in Brazil, annually drawing millions in ... more

A reveler dances during the 'Ceu na Terra' street carnival bloco on March 1, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Carnival is the grandest holiday in Brazil, annually drawing millions in raucous celebrations.

A reveler dances during the 'Ceu na Terra' street carnival bloco on March 1, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Carnival is the grandest holiday in Brazil, annually drawing millions in raucous celebrations.

Revelers gather during a street carnival bloco in the Rocinha community, or favela, on March 2, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Carnival is the grandest holiday in Brazil, annually drawing millions in raucous celebrations. less

Revelers gather during a street carnival bloco in the Rocinha community, or favela, on March 2, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Carnival is the grandest holiday in Brazil, annually drawing millions in raucous ... more

Photo: Mario Tama, Getty Images

Revelers gather during a street carnival bloco in the Rocinha... Photo-5967277.81144 - GreenwichTime

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Revelers kiss while posing during the 'Ceu na Terra' street carnival bloco on March 1, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Carnival is the grandest holiday in Brazil, annually drawing millions in raucous celebrations. less

Revelers kiss while posing during the 'Ceu na Terra' street carnival bloco on March 1, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Carnival is the grandest holiday in Brazil, annually drawing millions in raucous ... more

A reveler dressed as a character from the movie Avatar poses for a photo at the 'Ceu na Terra' block party during Carnival celebration in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, March 1, 2014. Rio de Janeiro's over-the-top Carnival is the highlight of the year for many local residents. Hundreds of thousands of merrymakers will take to Rio's streets in the nearly 500 open-air "bloco" parties. less

A reveler dressed as a character from the movie Avatar poses for a photo at the 'Ceu na Terra' block party during Carnival celebration in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, March 1, 2014. Rio de Janeiro's ... more

Photo: Felipe Dana, Associated Press

A reveler dressed as a character from the movie Avatar poses for a... Photo-5967282.81144 - GreenwichTime

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Queen of Percussion Evelyn Bastos of Mangueira celebrates during their parade at 2014 Brazilian Carnival at Sapucai Sambadrome on March 02, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Rio's two nights of Carnival parades begin on March 2 in a burst of fireworks and to the cheers of thousands of tourists and locals who have previously enjoyed street celebrations (known as "blocos de rua") all around the city. less

Queen of Percussion Evelyn Bastos of Mangueira celebrates during their parade at 2014 Brazilian Carnival at Sapucai Sambadrome on March 02, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Rio's two nights of Carnival parades ... more

A reveler pauses while dancing during the 'Ceu na Terra' street carnival bloco on March 1, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Carnival is the grandest holiday in Brazil, annually drawing millions in raucous celebrations. less

A reveler pauses while dancing during the 'Ceu na Terra' street carnival bloco on March 1, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Carnival is the grandest holiday in Brazil, annually drawing millions in raucous ... more

Photo: Mario Tama, Getty Images

A reveler pauses while dancing during the 'Ceu na Terra'... Photo-5967245.81144 - GreenwichTime

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A performer from the Sao Clemente samba school parades through the Sambadrome for carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday, March 3, 2014. (AP Photo/Nelson Antoine)

A performer from the Sao Clemente samba school parades through the Sambadrome for carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday, March 3, 2014. (AP Photo/Nelson Antoine)

Photo: Nelson Antoine, Associated Press

A performer from the Sao Clemente samba school parades through the... Photo-5967222.81144 - GreenwichTime

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Performers from the Sao Clemente samba school parade during carnival celebrations at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday, March 3, 2014. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

Performers from the Sao Clemente samba school parade during carnival celebrations at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday, March 3, 2014. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

A member of Salgueiro Samba School performs during their parade at 2014 Brazilian Carnival at Sapucai Sambadrome on March 02, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Rio's two nights of Carnival parades began today in a burst of fireworks to the cheers of thousands of tourists and locals who have previously enjoyed street celebrations (known as "blocos de rua") all around the city. less

A member of Salgueiro Samba School performs during their parade at 2014 Brazilian Carnival at Sapucai Sambadrome on March 02, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Rio's two nights of Carnival parades began today in ... more

Photo: Buda Mendes, Getty Images

A member of Salgueiro Samba School performs during their parade at... Photo-5967196.81144 - GreenwichTime

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Performers from the Academicos do Grande Rio samba school parade during carnival celebrations at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, March 2, 2014. (AP Photo/Nelson Antoine)

Performers from the Academicos do Grande Rio samba school parade during carnival celebrations at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, March 2, 2014. (AP Photo/Nelson Antoine)

Photo: Nelson Antoine, Associated Press

Performers from the Academicos do Grande Rio samba school parade... Photo-5967228.81144 - GreenwichTime

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A performer from the Imperio da Tijuca samba school parades on a float during carnival celebrations at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, March 2, 2014. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

A performer from the Imperio da Tijuca samba school parades on a float during carnival celebrations at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, March 2, 2014. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

Photo: Felipe Dana, Associated Press

A performer from the Imperio da Tijuca samba school parades on a... Photo-5967229.81144 - GreenwichTime

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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - MARCH 02: Revelers parade during the 'Simpatia e Quase Amor' street carnival bloco along Ipanema Beach on March 2, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Carnival is the grandest holiday in Brazil, annually drawing millions in raucous celebrations. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) less

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - MARCH 02: Revelers parade during the 'Simpatia e Quase Amor' street carnival bloco along Ipanema Beach on March 2, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Carnival is the grandest holiday in ... more

Members of Mangueira Samba School celebrate during their parade at 2014 Brazilian Carnival at Sapucai Sambadrome on March 02, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Rio's two nights of Carnival parades begin on March 2 in a burst of fireworks and to the cheers of thousands of tourists and locals who have previously enjoyed street celebrations (known as "blocos de rua") all around the city. less

Members of Mangueira Samba School celebrate during their parade at 2014 Brazilian Carnival at Sapucai Sambadrome on March 02, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Rio's two nights of Carnival parades begin on March ... more

Photo: Buda Mendes, Getty Images

Members of Mangueira Samba School celebrate during their parade at... Photo-5967193.81144 - GreenwichTime

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Revelers pose blowing bubbles during the 'Simpatia e Quase Amor' street carnival bloco along Ipanema Beach on March 2, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Carnival is the grandest holiday in Brazil, annually drawing millions in raucous celebrations. less

Revelers pose blowing bubbles during the 'Simpatia e Quase Amor' street carnival bloco along Ipanema Beach on March 2, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Carnival is the grandest holiday in Brazil, annually ... more

A reveler poses blowing smoke from multiple cigarettes during the 'Simpatia e Quase Amor' street carnival bloco along Ipanema Beach on March 2, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Carnival is the grandest holiday in Brazil, annually drawing millions in raucous celebrations. less

A reveler poses blowing smoke from multiple cigarettes during the 'Simpatia e Quase Amor' street carnival bloco along Ipanema Beach on March 2, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Carnival is the grandest holiday ... more

Performers from the Salgueiro samba school parade during carnival celebrations at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday, March 3, 2014. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

Performers from the Salgueiro samba school parade during carnival celebrations at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday, March 3, 2014. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

Photo: Felipe Dana, Associated Press

Performers from the Salgueiro samba school parade during carnival... Photo-5967216.81144 - GreenwichTime

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Members of Mangueira Samba School celebrate during their parade at 2014 Brazilian Carnival at Sapucai Sambadrome on March 02, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Rio's two nights of Carnival parades begin on March 2 in a burst of fireworks and to the cheers of thousands of tourists and locals who have previously enjoyed street celebrations (known as "blocos de rua") all around the city. less

Members of Mangueira Samba School celebrate during their parade at 2014 Brazilian Carnival at Sapucai Sambadrome on March 02, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Rio's two nights of Carnival parades begin on March ... more

Photo: Buda Mendes, Getty Images

Members of Mangueira Samba School celebrate during their parade at... Photo-5967176.81144 - GreenwichTime

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A member of Salgueiro Samba School performs during their parade at 2014 Brazilian Carnival at Sapucai Sambadrome on March 02, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Rio's two nights of Carnival parades began today in a burst of fireworks to the cheers of thousands of tourists and locals who have previously enjoyed street celebrations (known as "blocos de rua") all around the city. less

A member of Salgueiro Samba School performs during their parade at 2014 Brazilian Carnival at Sapucai Sambadrome on March 02, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Rio's two nights of Carnival parades began today in ... more

Photo: Buda Mendes, Getty Images

A member of Salgueiro Samba School performs during their parade at... Photo-5967182.81144 - GreenwichTime

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A performer from the Beija Flor samba school parades during carnival celebrations at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday, March 3, 2014. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

A performer from the Beija Flor samba school parades during carnival celebrations at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday, March 3, 2014. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

Photo: Felipe Dana, Associated Press

A performer from the Beija Flor samba school parades during... Photo-5967185.81144 - GreenwichTime

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Revelers pose during the Corre Atras street carnival bloco on March 3, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Carnival is the grandest holiday in Brazil, annually drawing millions in raucous celebrations.

Revelers pose during the Corre Atras street carnival bloco on March 3, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Carnival is the grandest holiday in Brazil, annually drawing millions in raucous celebrations.

Members of Mangueira Samba School celebrate during their parade at 2014 Brazilian Carnival at Sapucai Sambadrome on March 02, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Rio's two nights of Carnival parades begin on March 2 in a burst of fireworks and to the cheers of thousands of tourists and locals who have previously enjoyed street celebrations (known as "blocos de rua") all around the city. less

Members of Mangueira Samba School celebrate during their parade at 2014 Brazilian Carnival at Sapucai Sambadrome on March 02, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Rio's two nights of Carnival parades begin on March ... more

Photo: Buda Mendes, Getty Images

Members of Mangueira Samba School celebrate during their parade at... Photo-5967136.81144 - GreenwichTime

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A reveler poses during the Corre Atras street carnival bloco on March 3, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Carnival is the grandest holiday in Brazil, annually drawing millions in raucous celebrations.

A reveler poses during the Corre Atras street carnival bloco on March 3, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Carnival is the grandest holiday in Brazil, annually drawing millions in raucous celebrations.

Members of Beija Flor Samba School perform during their parade at 2014 Brazilian Carnival at Sapucai Sambadrome on March 02, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Rio's two nights of Carnival parades began today in a burst of fireworks to the cheers of thousands of tourists and locals who have previously enjoyed street celebrations (known as "blocos de rua") all around the city. less

Members of Beija Flor Samba School perform during their parade at 2014 Brazilian Carnival at Sapucai Sambadrome on March 02, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Rio's two nights of Carnival parades began today in a ... more

Photo: Buda Mendes, Getty Images

Members of Beija Flor Samba School perform during their parade at... Photo-5967142.81144 - GreenwichTime

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Members of Beija Flor Samba School perform during their parade at 2014 Brazilian Carnival at Sapucai Sambadrome on March 02, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Rio's two nights of Carnival parades began today in a burst of fireworks to the cheers of thousands of tourists and locals who have previously enjoyed street celebrations (known as "blocos de rua") all around the city. less

Members of Beija Flor Samba School perform during their parade at 2014 Brazilian Carnival at Sapucai Sambadrome on March 02, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Rio's two nights of Carnival parades began today in a ... more

Photo: Buda Mendes, Getty Images

Members of Beija Flor Samba School perform during their parade at... Photo-5967140.81144 - GreenwichTime

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A member of Beija Flor Samba Schoolperforms during their parade at 2014 Brazilian Carnival at Sapucai Sambadrome on March 02, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Rio's two nights of Carnival parades began today in a burst of fireworks to the cheers of thousands of tourists and locals who have previously enjoyed street celebrations (known as "blocos de rua") all around the city. less

A member of Beija Flor Samba Schoolperforms during their parade at 2014 Brazilian Carnival at Sapucai Sambadrome on March 02, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Rio's two nights of Carnival parades began today in ... more

Photo: Buda Mendes, Getty Images

A member of Beija Flor Samba Schoolperforms during their parade at... Photo-5967141.81144 - GreenwichTime

Image 29 of 106

A member of Salgueiro Samba School performs during their parade at 2014 Brazilian Carnival at Sapucai Sambadrome on March 02, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Rio's two nights of Carnival parades began today in a burst of fireworks to the cheers of thousands of tourists and locals who have previously enjoyed street celebrations (known as "blocos de rua") all around the city. less

A member of Salgueiro Samba School performs during their parade at 2014 Brazilian Carnival at Sapucai Sambadrome on March 02, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Rio's two nights of Carnival parades began today in ... more

Photo: Buda Mendes, Getty Images

A member of Salgueiro Samba School performs during their parade at... Photo-5967145.81144 - GreenwichTime